Hungry Ghosts (TV series)

Hungry Ghosts is a four-part Australian television drama series that aired on SBS in 2020. It is a horror-drama that explores the Vietnamese Hungry Ghost Festival and its intersection with modern-day Melbourne.

The series follows a diverse group of characters whose lives are thrown into chaos when a spirit ritual releases vengeful spirits, or “hungry ghosts,” into the city. These spirits are driven by unresolved trauma and seek to right past wrongs, causing havoc and forcing the living to confront their own buried secrets and cultural identities.

Hungry Ghosts examines themes of intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, racism, family secrets, and the immigrant experience. It features a predominantly Asian-Australian cast and delves into the complexities of Vietnamese-Australian culture. The series weaves together supernatural elements with grounded, realistic portrayals of contemporary Australian life. It received critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling, strong performances, and exploration of relevant social issues.